What should I prepare my 9-year-old when leaving him alone at home for a few hours,just 3 or 4 hours?I will have to go out some times this month and leave him.What do I have to tell him or instruct him?
2006-10-22 23:37:42 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Tell him the truth. After all u will have to face it when u want to settle down with ur bf.
2006-10-22 23:41:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think 3 or 4 hours alone is too much for a 9 year old, but he can learn how to get used to it.
Never mind these ignorant male answers to your question about not caring for your son. They have easy talking....... You need to have a life! If not, how to care of others? And chosing some time for yourself does not mean that you don't care about your son.
How about discussing it with your son and leaving him on his own for 1 or 2 hours first, just to see how he copes with that. Don't forget to tell your son how proud your are of him, and how much you love him! This will make him feel more confident in dealing with being on his own for a couple of hours.
If you don't have a mobile phone yet, I strongly believe that you need to get one, so that he can call you if he feels bad or worried when home alone.
And - yes - make him lock the door and not answer the phone. Inviting one friend to accompany him and watch DVD together with some nice food or simple snacks can turn it into a little treat.
Best of luck!
2006-10-23 07:07:30 · answer #2 · answered by Endie vB 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most nine year olds are just too emotionally immature, and insecure, to be left home alone. it may seem to you, that they are prepared if a crisis should arise, and they may be, but do you really want to take that chance? if you are a single parent (and it seems that you are) and this is your "escape time" time for yourself, so to speak, not working, doing your shopping (which you could bring your child too, etc...) it is best to wait until he gets a bit older...sorry, we all had to go through this... I am quite sure that many, if not all states have laws pertaining to ages of children being left "home alone" without a parent or guardian, or older sibling. Nine is too young, in the end, except for emergencies, and I don't mean, off to visit friends or boyfriends, it just would not be worth it.............take care of your child first.........your needs come later.
If being with your child full time is wearing you down or "you just need a break" which is very understandable, contact your local parent support group or united counseling service. These organizations can help relieve the stress of every day life for single parents, especially mothers, who need help, so very much from time to time.
good luck!
2006-10-23 06:55:51 · answer #3 · answered by amber 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sweetie, I'm sorry, but nine is just too young! I think the law in most states is 12, for being left alone. There are so many things that could go wrong! It's just not worth it! If you can't afford a sitter, and you can't take him with you, start networking with the parents of his friends. Trade babysitting with them. There is someone out there that will help you, if you just take the time to look hard enough! Good luck!
2006-10-23 07:47:40 · answer #4 · answered by rebecca_sld 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sure he knows how to operate the remote control and how to get himself something to eat if he needs it so just have him make sure that the door is locked at all times if it is ok with you that he has a single friend over while you are gone that maybe having some company might be nice for him as long as you know they are not going to be getting in to things and that he knows in what situations that if he absolutely has to dial 911 that he can and does, hopefully one will never occor but he should always be made aware
2006-10-23 06:41:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
nine is a little young for leaving at home alone, but if it is a necessity, then it cannot be helped...just instruct him basically to leave the door locked, stay inside, give him a list of emergency numbers, ambulance, your cell phone, neighbors numbers, things like that....just tell him you believe he is responsible enough to handle this and just trust him...just make sure he has everything he needs and it will go well...
2006-10-23 06:41:43 · answer #6 · answered by Ice Princess 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. not to entertain stranger
2. dont go near the gas stove
2 hours i think is not a long time. if you want you can leave hin watching a dvd, supply food in the room. everything he needs so as much as possible he wont leave his room anymore.
u can ask a close neighbor to check him. but its important that you really should make them know that your son is there so if any accidents will happen they know that there is a person inside your house.
2006-10-23 06:45:19 · answer #7 · answered by johannea 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a babysitter.
If you have to tell him to not eat anything, do not answer the door...leave the stove alone. Do not answer the phone. Give him emergency contact numbers. Let your neighbor know he is alone (that is if you know them well enough). Tell him to leave the stove alone...geez. I guess I am just paranoid...
2006-10-23 06:47:02 · answer #8 · answered by glamorousgrrl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
9 is too young in my opinion to be left. can you find a neighbor or friend to pop in for those few hours??
2006-10-23 06:44:11 · answer #9 · answered by mum 2 Cameron and Ewan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ALL THE CLASSIC STRANGER DANGER STUFF IE DONT ANSWER THE PHONE OR DOOR NOT TO TELL ANY ONE HE WILL BE ALONE AND NO INTERNET WHEN YOUR NOT THERE MAKE SURE HE HAS 5 OR 6 THINGS HE WANTS TO DO IE HOMEWORK PLAYSTATION BOOKS OR GET HIM A JIG SAW PUZZLE TO DO
2006-10-23 06:44:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋